Can someone help me with this ironing thing?

[Zuzu03]

Hi all of you WAY more creative people than me! I just tried to iron on two designs onto two shirts and it didn't go so well. I'm using the Wilton dark transfer paper with dark t-shirts. I set the iron to high and there is no water in it (no steam, right?). I used the parchment paper included in the pack and pressed the iron down all over the paper, holding it still for 20 seconds in each position. I waited about 5 minutes for it to cool and when I peeled the parchment off, the holes from the bottom of the iron made marks all over the design! The second one was even worse as the holes made really light marks! Do I need to still have water in the iron even if the steam button is down? ARGH! Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[RMAMom]

I had this problem last year especially when the design was a darker one. The way I solved it was to put a thin cotton dish towel (like a flour sack towel)over the parchment paper. I also didn't press as hard for as long before I moved my iron. I hope that helps.

 

[Zuzu03]

Thank you! I'll try again - I just hate wasting that expensive transfer paper! Did you have water in your iron?

 

[Zuzu03]

Okay, that worked a lot better, but the dark colors still have areas where they are lighter than in others. I see other people's shirts on this forum and they look so lovely and even toned! I can't imagine what they heck I'm doing wrong.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

The answer to your first question about having water in your iron is "no, you should have no water in your iron at all.

I know your instructions may say to hold the iron for 20 seconds on each spot but you may have better luck if you keep your iron moving. I normally do a pass along the top, middle and bottom of the transfer going horizontally and then do the same vertically. Then go around the edges again and then a circular pattern over the entire transfer. If you keep your iron moving (pressing firmly), you will not have quite the concentrated heat in any certain area.

I hope this helps!

 

[Zuzu03]

Thanks Mickey!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Thanks Mickey!

You are welcome - did it work?

 

[Zuzu03]

Yay!!! Yes, it did work! Thanks soooo much!!!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Yay!!! Yes, it did work! Thanks soooo much!!!

I am so glad - thanks for letting me know.